George Brandis (Queensland, Liberal Party, Shadow Attorney-General) Share this | Hansard source

The opposition support these amendments. These are amendments that were recommended by the Senate Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs in relation to the sensitive issue of the definitions in the legislation. They do not attack its essential purpose but it was the view of the committee, and in particular the Liberal senators—Senator Barnett, Senator Mary-Jo Fisher and Senator Trood—that these amendments were appropriate to provide reassurance to those who questioned the effect of this legislation upon families that the legislation in fact respected pre-existing categories and created a scheme which was consistent with the maintenance of marriage and the traditional notions of family life.

Question negatived.